Solar activity can prompt a massive increase in the intensity of Jupiter's polar
aurorae, according to a new study drawing on data collected by NASA's
Chandra X-ray Observatory. Charged particles from a powerful solar
storm were observed creating an impressive light show as they struck
the Jovian planet in October 2011.

Jupiter's aurorae
differ from those observed taking place in Earth's atmosphere. Aside
from being far more powerful, they are capable of being generated by
Jupiter without the aid of any outside influence. As the gas giant
spins on its axis roughly once every 10 hours, Jupiter drags its
magnetic field with it.

This process generates
around 10 million volts, creating charged particles that interact
with Jupiter's atmosphere to create constant aurorae. Jupiter's
satellite Io has also been observed to influence the Jovian planet's
aurorae by introducing copious
amounts of sulfur and oxygen ions into Jupiter's atmosphere.

The new study has
revealed that alongside these factors, powerful solar activity can
act as the catalyst for significant X-ray aurorae. As powerful solar
storms, or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), intensify the solar winds
pervading the solar system, they interact with Jupiter's
magnetosphere.

The research reveals
that the powerful winds have the ability to shift the boundary of the gas
giant's magnetosphere back by as much as a million miles, creating a
stunning X-ray aurora in the process that is observable by the
powerful X-ray capabilities of the Chandra telescope. In the case of the October 2011 event, solar activity was seen to elevate the intensity of Jupiter's aurorae up to eight times their usual levels.

The image at the top of the page represents a composite utilizing X-ray data collected by the
Chandra telescope overlayed onto an optical light image snapped by
the Hubble Space Telescope. The images were captured as the storm
arrived at Jupiter (left), and two days later (right) as the gas giant's
magnetosphere returned to its ordinary aspect via two 11-hour
observation periods.

Future observations
will make use of the Chandra telescope as well as ESA's XMN-Newton
observatory in order to further unravel the secrets of Jupiter's
magnetic properties.